Fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs and preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of animal husbandry technology, specifically to a fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs, its preparation method, and its application. The fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs, by weight, comprises the following components: 10-20 parts of *Trifolium repens*, 10-20 parts of raw malt, 5-15 parts of *Astragalus membranaceus*, 5-15 parts of *Saposhnikovia divaricata*, 5-15 parts of *Medicated Leaven*, 5-15 parts of dried tangerine peel, 5-15 parts of green tangerine peel, 5-15 parts of *Dryopteris crassirhizoma*, 3-5 parts of stir-fried *Atractylodes macrocephala*, and 3-5 parts of calcined oyster shell. When added to the feed of pre-weaning lambs, the fermented herbal ingredients of this invention improve lamb growth performance, promote growth hormone secretion, enhance immunity, and alleviate lamb stress.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal husbandry technology, specifically to a fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] The "window of opportunity" for nutritional regulation in young ruminants is from birth to 60 days of age. During this period, physiological development, digestive system development, and the establishment of the immune system are all influenced by nutritional supply, playing a decisive role in adult health. During this stage, the gastrointestinal tract of young ruminants needs to adapt to the transition from a sterile to a microbial environment. Simultaneously, the body develops from passive immunity to active immunity, and digestive capacity evolves from the abomasum to the rumen, ultimately transitioning from digestive enzymes to microbial fermentation. However, because young ruminants are not fully mature, they are susceptible to various pathogens, leading to disease and even death. The main cause of death is diarrhea due to intestinal microbiota imbalance, which is also related to their immature immune function.

[0003] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become a research hotspot as a green and safe feed additive to replace growth-promoting drugs such as antibiotics. TCM fermentation technology involves the extraction and purification of medicinal and edible herbs. Microbial fermentation represents a reform and innovation of traditional TCM processing techniques. Introducing this technology into the research and application of TCM feed additives can significantly increase the content of its main active substances, not only improving the quality of the herbs but also significantly enhancing animal immunity and disease resistance. This has significant application value in addressing various drawbacks of current intensive and large-scale livestock farming, especially during the weaning or transition period of young ruminant livestock. It represents the future direction and trend for healthy, green, pollution-free, and sustainable development in the livestock industry.

[0004] Chinese invention patent application number "CN202210785157.4" discloses a fermented feed for sheep (8 months old) containing traditional Chinese medicine and its preparation method. The method involves fermenting a compound fermenting agent (Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus) with traditional Chinese medicine (Eucommia ulmoides, Astragalus membranaceus and Crataegus pinnatifida) in any proportion. While the fermenting bacteria degrade the basic feed, they cannot effectively release the active substances of the traditional Chinese medicine, resulting in incomplete utilization of the traditional Chinese medicine and causing hidden economic losses.

[0005] Chinese invention patent application number "CN201410580508.3" discloses a herbal feed for fattening lambs (20kg) and its preparation method. It involves ensiling a mixture of Chinese herbs (honeysuckle, purslane, and houttuynia cordata, etc.) with pear pomace and hay. The ensiling process is complex and the conditions are difficult to control. No fermentation agent is provided in the ensiling. Furthermore, it focuses on improving the production performance and feed intake of weaned lambs, but does not fully consider whether to improve the lambs' immunity, and cannot fully realize the lambs' production potential.

[0006] Chinese invention patent application number "CN 201610803788.9" discloses a feed additive to promote the growth and development of weaned lambs. This solution is for weaned lambs aged 60-150 days. However, it directly mixes the compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive with other feed ingredients, which reduces the utilization rate of the effective ingredients of the Chinese herbal medicine. In addition, weaned lambs are transitioning from the abomasum to the rumen for digestion. The rumen microorganisms are not fully established, so they cannot effectively absorb the active ingredients of the medicine. At the same time, it cannot reduce the toxicity of the compound Chinese herbal medicine. Furthermore, the feed ingredient formula is relatively complex and the combination is unscientific, which cannot meet the needs of modern breeding.

[0007] Chinese invention patent application number "CN 201310115784.8" discloses a feed formula that reduces weaning stress in goat lambs and promotes growth. This formula can reduce problems such as stunted growth, cessation of growth, or negative growth caused by stress in weaned lambs. However, this formula does not fully consider whether it can improve the lambs' immunity, and there are problems such as the need for separate disease prevention and control. Moreover, when encountering high incidence or outbreaks, it is necessary to use large amounts of antibiotics as a prevention and control measure, so it cannot meet the current environmental protection requirements for healthy farming.

[0008] In summary, there is currently no fermented compound herbal feed additive that can both improve lamb growth performance and enhance the body's immunity and alleviate lamb stress. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs, its preparation method and application.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0011] Firstly, a fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs is provided, wherein the compound herbal raw material components, by mass parts, include: 10-20 parts of *Trifolium repens*, 10-20 parts of raw malt, 5-15 parts of Astragalus membranaceus, 5-15 parts of Saposhnikovia divaricata, 5-15 parts of medicated leaven, 5-15 parts of dried tangerine peel, 5-15 parts of green tangerine peel, 5-15 parts of Dryopteris crassirhizoma, 3-5 parts of stir-fried Atractylodes macrocephala, and 3-5 parts of calcined oyster shell.

[0012] Secondly, a method for preparing a fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0013] After weighing the compound Chinese herbal raw materials according to the proportion, crush and sieve them, mix them with 1% of the fermentation inoculum for 10 minutes, put them into a sealed fermentation tank, adjust the moisture content of the substrate to 68%, and ferment at room temperature for 7 days under the conditions of no other inoculum and no dust. Then, place the fermentation product in a 65℃ oven to dry for 48 hours to obtain the fermented compound Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0014] Furthermore, the fermentation strain was prepared by mixing Candida utilis with accession number ATCC 22023 and Bacillus subtilis with accession number ATCC6633 in a 1:1 ratio.

[0015] Furthermore, *Candida utilis* ≥ 5 × 10⁻⁵ 8 CFU / g, Bacillus subtilis ≥2×10 10 CFU / g.

[0016] Thirdly, a fully mixed pelleted feed based on fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs is provided, which is prepared by mixing the fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs with lamb starter feed at a ratio of 0.2 to 0.6%.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. The combination of compound Chinese herbal medicines, when added to lamb starter feed, helps alleviate lamb stress caused by transition from solid to liquid feed, separation of mother and lamb, and early weaning. It promotes early rumen development in lambs, ensures gastrointestinal health, enhances antioxidant capacity, and thus improves the body's immunity.

[0019] 2. The solid-state fermentation of Chinese herbal medicines by beneficial bacteria enhances the functional active ingredients of the herbal medicines, making them easier to absorb and improving their feeding effects.

[0020] 3. Traditional Chinese medicines have certain astringent and bitter tastes, but their fermentation products have a rich mango aroma, which can improve palatability for animals, help increase lambs' feed intake, and thus improve lambs' growth performance. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0022] Example 1

[0023] A fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs, by weight, comprises the following compound herbal raw material components: 10 parts of three needles, 10 parts of raw malt, 5 parts of astragalus, 5 parts of saposhnikovia, 5 parts of medicated leaven, 5 parts of dried tangerine peel, 5 parts of green tangerine peel, 5 parts of dryopteris crassirhizoma, 3 parts of stir-fried atractylodes macrocephala, and 3 parts of calcined oyster shell.

[0024] Its preparation method includes the following steps:

[0025] After weighing the compound Chinese herbal raw materials according to the proportion, crush and sieve them, mix them with 1% of fermentation inoculum for 10 minutes, put them into a sealed fermentation tank, adjust the moisture content of the substrate to 68%, and ferment at room temperature for 7 days under the conditions of no other inoculum and no dust. Then, place the fermentation product in a 65℃ oven to dry for 48 hours to obtain the fermented compound Chinese herbal feed additive.

[0026] As a preferred method, the fermentation strain used in this embodiment is *Candida utilis* with preservation number ATCC 22023 (≥5×10⁻⁶). 8 CFU / g) and Bacillus subtilis with accession number ATCC 6633 were administered at (≥2×10) 10 It was prepared by mixing CFU / g) 1:1.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] A fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs, by weight, comprises the following compound herbal raw material components: 15 parts of three needles, 15 parts of raw malt, 10 parts of astragalus, 10 parts of saposhnikovia, 10 parts of medicated leaven, 10 parts of dried tangerine peel, 10 parts of green tangerine peel, 10 parts of dryopteris crassirhizoma, 4 parts of stir-fried atractylodes macrocephala, and 4 parts of calcined oyster shell.

[0029] The preparation method of the fermented compound herbal feed additive is the same as in Example 1.

[0030] Example 3

[0031] A fermented compound herbal feed additive for lambs, by weight, comprises the following compound herbal raw material components: 20 parts of three needles, 20 parts of raw malt, 15 parts of astragalus, 15 parts of saposhnikovia, 15 parts of medicated leaven, 15 parts of dried tangerine peel, 15 parts of green tangerine peel, 15 parts of dryopteris crassirhizoma, 5 parts of stir-fried atractylodes macrocephala, and 5 parts of calcined oyster shell.

[0032] The preparation method of the fermented compound herbal feed additive is the same as in Example 1.

[0033] Experimental Example 1

[0034] A total mixed pelleted feed suitable for lambs is prepared by mixing fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs with lamb starter feed at a ratio of 0.2% as described in Example 2.

[0035] Non-target assays revealed that fermented Chinese herbal medicines contain abundant bioactive substances such as betaine, hesperidin, naringin, succinate, and D-2-aminobutyric acid.

[0036] Sixty 15-day-old Hu sheep lambs (twins, half male and half female) with similar birth weights and good body condition were randomly divided into two groups: a blank control group (lambs fed starter feed) and an experimental group (lambs fed starter feed plus 0.2% fermented traditional Chinese medicine). Each group had three replicates, with 10 lambs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 45 days. The effects on starter feed intake, lamb growth performance, and serum biochemical indicators were measured.

[0037] As shown in Table 1, feeding lambs with a 0.2% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly increased the body weight of 30-day-old lambs; and extremely significantly increased the body weight of 45- and 60-day-old lambs. It also extremely significantly increased the average daily weight gain of lambs aged 15–30 and 31–45 days; significantly increased the average daily weight gain of lambs aged 46–60 days; and extremely significantly increased the intake of starter feed.

[0038] Table 1. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on lamb growth performance.

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] As shown in Table 2, feeding lambs with 0.2% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly increased the total protein content in lamb serum, significantly increased the content of serum albumin, urea and triglycerides, and significantly decreased the content of serum low-density lipoprotein.

[0042] Table 2. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum proteins and enzymes in lambs.

[0043]

[0044] As shown in Table 3, feeding lambs with 0.2% fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in lamb serum, significantly decreased the level of malondialdehyde in lamb serum, and significantly improved the total antioxidant capacity of lamb serum.

[0045] Table 3. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on the antioxidant capacity of lamb serum.

[0046]

[0047] As shown in Table 4, feeding lambs with 0.2% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-6 and anti-tumor factor α in lamb serum and improved the lambs' immunity.

[0048] Table 4. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum immune indicators in lambs.

[0049]

[0050] As shown in Table 5, feeding lambs with 0.2% fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive significantly increased the content of insulin-like growth factor-1 in lamb serum and extremely significantly increased the content of growth hormone in lamb serum, which promoted the growth and development of lambs.

[0051] Table 5. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum growth hormone in lambs.

[0052]

[0053] Experimental Example 2

[0054] A total mixed pelleted feed suitable for lambs is prepared by mixing fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs with lamb starter feed at a ratio of 0.4% as described in Example 2.

[0055] Sixty 15-day-old Hu sheep lambs (twins, half male and half female) with similar birth weights (3.25±0.52 kg) and good condition were randomly divided into two groups: a blank control group (lambs fed starter feed) and an experimental group (lambs fed starter feed plus 0.4% fermented traditional Chinese medicine). Each group had three replicates, with 10 lambs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 45 days. The effects on starter feed intake, lamb growth performance, and serum biochemical indicators were measured.

[0056] As shown in Table 6, feeding lambs with 0.4% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly increased the body weight of 30-day-old lambs and extremely significantly increased the body weight of 45- and 60-day-old lambs. The additive also significantly increased the average daily weight gain and starter feed intake of lambs at each stage.

[0057] Table 6. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on lamb growth performance.

[0058]

[0059] As shown in Table 7, feeding lambs with 0.4% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly increased the content of total protein, albumin, urea and triglycerides in lamb serum, and significantly reduced the content of low-density lipoprotein in lamb serum.

[0060] Table 7. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum proteins and enzymes in lambs.

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Table 8, feeding lambs with 0.4% fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase in lamb serum, significantly reduced the level of malondialdehyde in lamb serum, and improved the immunity of lambs.

[0063] Table 8. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on the antioxidant capacity of lamb serum.

[0064]

[0065] As shown in Table 9, feeding lambs with 0.4% fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive significantly increased the content of interleukin-4 in lamb serum, and significantly reduced the content of interleukin-6 and anti-tumor factor α in lamb serum, thereby improving the lambs' immunity.

[0066] Table 9. Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum immune indicators in lambs.

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] As shown in Table 10, feeding lambs with 0.4% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly reduced the serum insulin content of lambs and significantly increased the serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone content of lambs.

[0070] Table 10 Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum growth hormone in lambs

[0071]

[0072] Experimental Example 3

[0073] A total mixed pelleted feed suitable for lambs is prepared by mixing fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs with lamb starter feed at a ratio of 0.6% as described in Example 2.

[0074] Sixty 15-day-old Hu sheep lambs (twins, half male and half female) with similar birth weights (3.25±0.52 kg) and good condition were randomly divided into two groups: a blank control group (lambs fed starter feed) and an experimental group (lamb starter feed + 0.6% fermented traditional Chinese medicine). Each group had three replicates, with 10 lambs per replicate. The experiment lasted 45 days. The effects of starter feed intake, lamb growth performance, and serum biochemical indicators were measured.

[0075] As shown in Table 11, feeding lambs with 0.6% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly increased the body weight of 30-day-old lambs and extremely significantly increased the body weight of 45- and 60-day-old lambs. The additive also significantly increased the average daily weight gain and starter feed intake of lambs at each stage.

[0076] Table 11 Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on lamb growth performance.

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] As shown in Table 12, feeding lambs with 0.6% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly increased the content of total protein, albumin and urea in lamb serum, and significantly reduced the content of low-density lipoprotein in lamb serum.

[0080] Table 12 Effects of fermented compound traditional Chinese medicine on serum proteins and enzymes in lambs.

[0081]

[0082] As shown in Table 13, feeding lambs with 0.6% fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase in lamb serum, significantly reduced the level of malondialdehyde in lamb serum, and improved the immunity of lambs.

[0083] Table 13 Effects of fermented traditional Chinese medicine on the antioxidant capacity of lamb serum

[0084]

[0085] As shown in Table 14, feeding lambs with 0.6% fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive significantly increased the content of interleukin-4 in lamb serum, and significantly reduced the content of interleukin-6 and anti-tumor factor α, thereby improving the lambs' immunity.

[0086] Table 14 Effects of fermented traditional Chinese medicine on serum immune indicators in lambs

[0087]

[0088] As shown in Table 15, feeding lambs with 0.6% fermented compound herbal feed additive significantly reduced the serum insulin content of lambs and significantly increased the serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone content of lambs.

[0089] Table 15 Effects of fermented traditional Chinese medicine on serum growth hormone in lambs

[0090]

[0091] As shown in Figure 16, feeding lambs with 0.6% fermented compound herbal feed additive has a certain promoting effect on the development of the rumen and duodenum.

[0092] Table 16 Effects of fermented traditional Chinese medicine on rumen and duodenum development in lambs

[0093]

[0094] Based on the characteristics of early growth and development of lambs and the efficacy of compound Chinese herbal medicines, this invention, following the theory of "principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guide," uses Astragalus membranaceus and Citrus reticulata peel, which have the effects of improving the body's immunity and antioxidant capacity, as the main ingredients, and Saposhnikovia divaricata and Medicated Leaven, which have the effects of relieving pain, eliminating food stagnation, and protecting intestinal health, as auxiliary ingredients. This invention designs a feed additive specifically for lambs, which can promote lamb growth, improve the body's immunity, regulate rumen flora, unleash the growth potential of lambs, and improve the efficiency of early lamb rearing. It has important guiding significance for improving the efficiency of sheep production.

[0095] This invention relates to pre-weaning lambs, with a clearly defined combination and compatibility ratio of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs. The process parameters, including the selection of fermentation strains, substrate moisture control, strain addition levels, and fermentation time, are clearly specified. The basic functional active ingredients of the fermented TCM herbs are defined, and the addition levels, usage methods, and application effects of the fermented TCM herbs in starter feed are described in detail. When added to the feed of pre-weaning lambs, the fermented TCM herbs involved in this invention can improve lamb growth performance, promote growth hormone secretion, enhance immunity, and alleviate lamb stress.

[0096] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

[0097] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs, characterized in that, The compound Chinese herbal medicine raw material is composed of the following components in mass fraction: Sanjizhen 10-20 parts, Sheng Mai 10-20 parts, Huangqi 5-15 parts, Fangfeng 5-15 parts, Shengqu 5-15 parts, Chenpi 5-15 parts, Qingpi 5-15 parts, Guanzhong 5-15 parts, Chao Baizhu 3-5 parts, Chan Mugua 3-5 parts; The compound Chinese herbal medicine raw material is composed of the following components in mass fraction: Sanjizhen 10-20 parts, Sheng Mai 10-20 parts, Huangqi 5-15 parts, Fangfeng 5-15 parts, Shengqu 5-15 parts, Chenpi 5-15 parts, Qingpi 5-15 parts, Guanzhong 5-15 parts, Chao Baizhu 3-5 parts, Chan Mugua 3-5 parts; 2. The preparation method of the fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: After the compound Chinese herbal medicine raw material is weighed according to the proportion, it is crushed and sieved, and then mixed with 1% of the fermentation strain by mass ratio for 10 min, and then placed in a sealed fermentation tank, the moisture content of the substrate is adjusted to 68%, and then fermented at room temperature for 7 days under the conditions of no other strains and no dust, and then the fermentation product is dried in an oven at 65 ℃ for 48 h to obtain the fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive.

3. The method for preparing the fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fermentation strain is a mixture of Candida utilis with preservation number ATCC 22023 and Bacillus subtilis with preservation number ATCC 6633 in a ratio of 1:

1.

4. The method for preparing the fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs according to claim 3, characterized in that, Candida utilis ≥ 5 x 10 8 CFU / g, Bacillus subtilis ≥ 2 x 10 10 CFU / g.

5. A fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs based on the granulated complete feed of claim 1, characterized in that, The fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive for lambs is mixed with lamb starter in a ratio of 0.2-0.6%.

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